’Only the govt can ban an outfit, not police’

DG-IGP Ajai Kumar Singh says the police is not interested in affiliations, only the violation of law

'Only the govt can ban an outfit, not police'

DG-IGP Ajai Kumar Singh says the police is not interested in affiliations, only the violation of law

Ajai Kumar Singh

Excerpts:

MiD DAY: How many members and supporters does the Sri Rama Sene have?
Ajay K Singh: We are not sure about the numbers but anyone who violates the law will be strictly dealt with.
Some say there are around 200 members. How can they force the cityu00a0 to shut down?u00a0
Generally, such organisations threaten and force the traders to support them. In majority of the cases, traders and businessmen comply with their demands, fearing harm otherwise.

MD: Is Sri Ram Sene a registered organisation? If not, can you ban it?
AKS: We are not sure whether it is registered or not. It does not matter to us in terms of taking action against anyone who violates the law. The police cannot ban any organisation, but can recommend a ban. It is the government which has to take the decision to ban an organisation.

MD: Do you think the Sene was involved in the abduction of the Manjeshwar MLA's daughter?
AKS: I can say that five persons already arrested in this case are human beings. The police does not consider whether they belong to any party, we consider the merit of the case and take action as per the law.

MD: Can the Sene be booked under the Goonda Act, considering their unlawful activities?
AKS: There is a procedure involved in invoking the Goonda Act. The police has to keep a watch on the organisation for at least six months and a report will have to be submitted to the government. A detailed report including the legal implication, criminal background and the repercussions of its ban will be taken into consideration. The report will be submitted to the government which has to decide on banning or invoking the Goonda Act.

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